Russian militants in Ukraine

The Department of State warns against all travel to several regions of Ukraine. After the government of former president Viktor Yanukovytch failed in February, a referendum held in the Ukrainian-administered autonomous republic of Crimea on March 16 resulted in Crimea’s splitting from Ukraine and joining Russia. Though many claimed the vote was illegal, Crimea was effectively annexed by Russia, which has had a heavy military presence there.

In April, government buildings in Ukraine’s eastern provinces of Kharkiv, Luhansk and Donetsk were taken over by pro-Russian militants, who requested annexation by Russia. Ukraine initially offered more autonomy to the provinces, but as occupations of buildings increased, Ukraine commenced “anti-terrorist” operations against the militants. At press time, many militant-held sites remained under the militants’ control. In Donetsk, Ukrainian forces retook a TV station being held by militants.

Ukraine and many Western countries have blamed Russia for inciting or assisting militants. Dozens of pro-Russian and pro-Ukrainian civilians have died in clashes in the eastern provinces and the city of Odessa in the west. 

Sanctions have been levied by the US and EU against selected Russian companies. Russia, which does not recognize the interim Ukrainian government, has stationed thousands of its troops along the border. The situation remains unstable.